YES THE WINDMILLS ARE NO LONGER OPERATIONAL
My October 2024 visit to Father Collins Park in Clongriffin revealed a curious sight: the park’s iconic wind turbines, once symbols of sustainability and innovation, stood motionless, their blades conspicuously absent. This seemingly quixotic scene, reminiscent of Don Quixote’s famous battle against windmills, begs the question: what led to the decommissioning of these prominent features?
While initially it may have seemed like a case of “attacking imaginary enemies” – trying to generate significant power from wind in a potentially less-than-ideal urban setting – the windmills were a bold statement of intent when the park opened in 2009. However, recent reports have shed light on their demise, revealing that the turbines, installed in 2010 at a cost of €1.15 million, were simply “past their useful work life.”
The windmills in Father Collins Park have indeed been decommissioned, but not due to typical maintenance reasons. News reports from December 2023 indicate that the five wind turbines, installed in 2010 at a cost of €1.15 million, were “past their useful work life” and scheduled for removal in the new year.
This is somewhat surprising considering their relatively short lifespan, but it seems they weren’t operating as efficiently as intended. A 2010 report revealed that the turbines, meant to power the park’s lighting, pumps, and fountains, were only supplying about a quarter of the park’s electricity needs.
Father Collins Park: A Sustainable Legacy in Evolution
Despite this setback, Father Collins Park remains a significant landmark in Clongriffin and a testament to sustainable design. Opened in 2009 after a €20 million redevelopment, it was hailed as Ireland’s first “self-sustaining city park.” Named after Father Joe Collins, a local priest who championed its creation, the park was designed to showcase eco-friendly features like:
Wind turbines (now decommissioned): Originally intended to provide renewable energy.
Solar panels: Harnessing solar power for park operations.
Rainwater harvesting: Conserving water resources.
A large lake and wetlands: Promoting biodiversity and natural water filtration.
Clongriffin’s Ongoing Transformation
The park has become a vital amenity for the rapidly growing community of Clongriffin. In recent years, the area has witnessed a significant increase in population and development, with new housing estates, a Dart station, shopping centres, and schools transforming the once rural landscape.
Father Collins Park provides a green oasis amidst this urban expansion, offering:
Playgrounds for children
Sports pitches (GAA, soccer)
A skate park for teens and young adults
A 1.5km circuit track for walking and cycling
An outdoor amphitheatre for community events
The decommissioning of the wind turbines provides an opportunity for Dublin City Council to re-evaluate the park’s sustainability strategy and explore new technologies or energy-efficient solutions to maintain its eco-friendly commitment.